Bafana win overshadowed by Chipolopolo’s health scare

Bafana Bafana delivered a comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Zambia’s Chipolopolo in a FIFA international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but the result was heavily overshadowed by a debilitating health crisis in the visiting camp.

The fixture, serving as South Africa’s final official tune-up before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco this December, saw the host nation capitalise on a severely weakened Zambian side.

Zambia Decimated by Food Poisoning Allegation

The match proceeded despite the absence of Zambian Head Coach Moses Sichone and several players and staff, who were ruled out just hours before kick-off due to suspected food poisoning.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) released a statement confirming the turmoil: “Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone and some members of his team have been ruled out of this afternoon’s FIFA International Friendly Match due to suspected food poisoning,” the FAZ stated, adding that Technical Committee Vice Chairperson Kalusha Bwalya was also among those receiving medical attention at the team hotel.

Assistant Coach Perry Mutapa was hastily pressed into service, leading a makeshift Chipolopolo side alongside Noel Mwandila, Kennedy Mweene, and Joseph Musonda.

Bafana Clinical as Midfield Maestro Shines

Hugo Broos’ men showed no mercy to their ailing opponents, dominating the midfield battle from the start. While early threats from Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, and Sipho Mbule initially went unrewarded, the pressure eventually told.

The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute, courtesy of the industrious Sipho Mbule. The midfielder muscled his way through the centre of the park before releasing Oswin Appollis, who slotted home to make it 1-0 heading into the break.

Mbule remained the creative focal point in the second half. In the 62nd minute, he orchestrated the second goal, finding Mohau Nkota outside the box, who curled a beautiful shot into the net to double the lead.

Just six minutes later, the rout was complete. Sphephelo Sithole capitalised on close range to tap in and extend Bafana Bafana’s lead to 3-0.

While Zambian talisman Fashion Sakala managed a strong solo run late on, his effort sailed inches wide, denying Chipolopolo a consolation.

Sabobo Banda finally grabbed a late consolation for the visitors deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.

The resounding victory provides a significant confidence boost for Bafana Bafana as they finalise preparations for their AFCON campaign, though the focus remains split between their performance and the troubling medical condition of their rivals.